Carbon intensity of global electricity
This chart tracks the average carbon intensity of electricity generated worldwide. It uses Ember’s annual Total generation emissions-intensity series in grams of CO₂-equivalent per kilowatt-hour; it measures emissions per unit of electricity, not total power-sector emissions.
What does it show?
Global electricity is becoming less carbon-intensive, but the decline remains gradual.
Methodology
Annual world value from Ember's Total generation emissions-intensity field, shown directly in grams of carbon-dioxide-equivalent per kilowatt-hour without indexing or smoothing. Ember calculates emissions from its harmonized electricity-generation dataset and source-specific emissions factors. The series describes the average carbon intensity of global electricity generation; it is not a measure of total electricity-sector emissions or any country's individual grid.